World ready for a more hopeful 2010

Paris: Fireworks exploded over Sydney's famous bridge and the Eiffel Tower prepared for its own colored-light spectacle as the world celebrated a New Year that many hope will be more prosperous and peaceful than 2009.

Revelers across the globe at least temporarily shelved worries about their future prospects to bid farewell to the first decade of the 21st century.

The financial downturn hit hard in 2009, sending many industrial economies into recession, tossing millions out of work and out of their homes, as foreclosures rose dramatically in some countries.

Germany's leader warned her people that the start of the new decade won't herald immediate relief from the global economic ills. South Africa's president was more ebullient, saying the World Cup is set to make 2010 the country's most important year since the end of apartheid in 1994.

Other leaders focused on the positive aspects of 2009.

Australia

Fireworks lit up the sky over Sydney Harbour as Australia's biggest city ushered in the new decade with a spectacular burst of colour and authorities sought to restrain revellers' drinking.

As many as 1.5 million people crowded the foreshore to welcome in the New Year with a firework display that included 10,000 individual effects, part of the city's five million dollar (4.5 million US) party.

New South Wales Premier Kristina Keneally described the celebrations as the "best show on Earth", adding that as many as one billion people would watch on television.

Some 4,500 kilogrammes (9,000 pounds) of fireworks were set off from the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and four barges on the water, bathing the city in colour and light during the 12-minute show.

Organisers said the display was the most complex ever staged, involving computer microchips and a rare blue colour difficult to achieve.

Revelers were asked to wear something blue, the color chosen to match the fireworks show's theme: Awaken the Spirit.

"Sydney has an amazing spirit - soulful, sexy and sophisticated and we want to celebrate and awaken her spirit for the new year ahead," artistic director Rhoda Roberts said.

Italy

Venice revelers were set to ring in the New Year with wet feet as high tide was to peak just before midnight to flood low-lying parts of the city - including the St. Mark's Square.

In winter, tourists checking into Venice hotels are regularly asked their shoe sizes so they can be fitted with boots to face the lagoon city's exceptionally high tides.

Indonesia

The American Embassy in Indonesia warned of a possible terrorist attack on the resort island of Bali on New Year's Eve, citing information from the island's governor - though local security officials said Thursday they were unaware of a threat.

France

More than 8,000 police and soldiers were deployed for extra security in and around Paris. The Eiffel Tower was decked out for its 120th anniversary year with hundreds of multicolored lights for a show that's more energy-saving than its usual sparkling-light display.

United Kingdom

Despite forecasts for below-freezing temperatures, thousands were expected to gather on the banks of the River Thames in London for fireworks after Big Ben strikes midnight.

"2009 was like shock therapy, where people really change when something bad happens to them," said accountant Conrad Jordaan, 35.

"It was a world-changing year, a bad year in many ways, but an important year because of the economic downturn," he said, enjoying cigarettes and coffee at an outdoor cafe in London. "It will be interesting to see if it changes peoples' behavior long term."

China

In Shanghai, some people paid 518 yuan ($75) to ring the bell at the Longhua Temple at midnight and wish for new-year luck. In Chinese, saying "518" sounds like the phrase "I want prosperity."

Philippines

In the Philippines, hundreds of people were injured by firecrackers and celebratory gunfire during the celebrations.

More than 50 hospitals nationwide were on full alert, their emergency rooms staffed with trauma doctors for the expected influx of injured revelers.

Japan

At Zojoji, one of Tokyo's oldest and biggest Buddhist temples, thousands of worshippers released clear, helium-filled balloons to mark the new year. Nearby Tokyo Tower twinkled with white lights, while a large "2010" sign glowed from the center.

Across town in Shibuya, the scene was more chaotic. The area, known as a magnet of youth culture, exploded with emotion at the stroke of midnight. Strangers embraced spontaneously as revelers jumped and sang.

Keitaro Morizame, a 24-year-old TV producer in Tokyo, expressed optimism for the new year.

"I really felt the economic downturn last year," he said. "I think the future will be brighter."

Turkey

In Istanbul, Turkish authorities deployed some 2,000 police around Taksim Square to prevent pickpockets and the molestation of women that have marred New Year celebrations in the past.

Some officers were under cover, disguised as street vendors or "even in Santa Claus dress," Istanbul Gov. Muammer Guler said.

Netherlands

Firecrackers were already exploding across the Netherlands on Thursday - the only day of the year the Dutch are allowed to set off fireworks. Most such shows are do-it-yourself affairs.

Scotland

In Stonehaven, on Scotland's east coast, the fireballs festival - a tradition for a century and a half - sees in the New Year. The pagan festival is observed by marchers swinging large, flaming balls around their heads. The flames are believed to either ensure sunshine or banish harmful influences.

In contrast to many galas worldwide, the Stonehaven Fireballs Association warns those attending not to wear their best clothes - because "there will be sparks flying along with smoke and even whisky."

Europe and the Americas were likely to be partying harder than Asia. Islamic countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan use a different calendar, and China will mark the new year in February.

The last year also offered its reminders of the decade's fight against terrorism, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and more recently, rising militant violence in Pakistan.

The celebrations will mark the end of a year many may be glad to put behind them.

The global financial crisis bit hard in 2009, sending economies around the world tumbling into recession and causing millions to lose their jobs and house foreclosures to rise. Signs of recovery emerged late in the year, giving hope that 2010 would bring better times.

What is your New Year’s resolution? What are you expecting from 2010?